A cardiac catheterisation laboratory (Cath Lab) has been launched at Addu Equatorial Hospital, making it the first such facility established outside the Malé area.

The launch of the Cath Lab in Addu City fulfils a commitment made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. In line with this commitment, structural modifications were carried out at the hospital and the required medical equipment was installed. Seven patients have already received treatment since the service commenced.

The Cath Lab service has been introduced through collaboration between Addu Equatorial Hospital and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

A joint press conference was held by the two institutions to mark the launch of the service. Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of the Malé City Group of Hospitals, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, said extensive preparations had been undertaken to establish the Cath Lab in Addu City.

Haleem noted that the service has commenced with an entirely Maldivian medical team and said expanding access to advanced healthcare services closer to communities remains a key priority. He added that the launch of the Cath Lab represents a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to decentralise specialised healthcare services and strengthen health infrastructure in the atolls.